Yosemite morning hike

A two hour hike up an 11,000' peak near Gardisky Lake, and then 30 minutes of yoga in the alpine meadow near the lake. Heading to Tahoe with a stop at Travertine hot springs.

Yosemite: Day #2

I dropped down a vertical mile to the floor of Yosemite Valley. But on my drive I stopped at Olmstead Point, and did a 5k run into Merced Grove and its giant sequoia trees. Then a 75 minute hike up the Yosemite Falls Trail, and another 30 minutes stretching in El Cap Meadows.

Yosemite: Day #2

"Yosemite Day #1

A 2.5 hour, 15k run to visit both Cathedral Lakes, siesta with a nap-lunch-reading, 60 minute hike to Gaylor Lake, and finished the day with 30 minutes of yoga at the campground. 

Yosemite Day #1

Soaking up early morning sun ...

and catching up on work emails. Whoa Nellie Deli, aka MOBIL is a great place to hang out. Lots of outlets to recharge, cheap mugs of tea, and fabulous views of Mono Lake.

First cup of tea

It's shortly after 6 am, and I camped outside the park, closer to Lee Vining, to avoid possible rain. Heading down to the floor of Yosemite Valley, take some pictures of the Big Stone, boulder, hike, and yoga in El Cap Meadows ... maybe even work a short run in.

First morning at Tioga Pass

I had to head down to Lee Vining for some tea as TPR and the cafe at Saddlebag Lake are not open for the season yet.

The goal for the day is to run to Cathedral Lake and back. Read. Then boulder and do yoga in the afternoon. I may finish up with a sunset hike up Tioga Peak.

The last leg ...

I'll be in Reno by 3:30 and sleeping by Saddlebag Lake at 8 pm!

Selden's Birthday

A few days ago we celebrated her 56th, and as always, obscure American history books accounted for most of the presents.

New rock shoes ... heading to the valley

Unfortunately, still sick as a dog.

Steve Prefontaine Story ... A great graphic novel

Ouch ... getting sick

Many of the faculty came down with this bug just before or after graduation. Yesterday the throat felt scratchy, today I am feeling poorly, and my prediction is that tomorrow I will feel like I have been run over by a truck. I am hoping I will be on the mend by Wednesday when I fly. I cut back on the long mountain runs I had planned for the weekend and will do short hikes instead ... it sure was nice on Owl's Head.

EVEREST ... video trailer

http://youtu.be/5ZQVpPiOji0

A film about the tragic 1996 season on the mountain.

Beautiful day

A 35 minute hike on campus before work, and a 55 minute run on campus after work ... it doesn't get much better.

Heading to Yosemite

In eight days I am heading to the valley for some reading, trail running, peak-bagging, and rock climbing. Hopefully, El Presidente and the Grey Fox will join me.

Prefontaine Anniversary

This graphic novel was released on Saturday, the 40th anniversary of Pre's death in a car crash, on the evening after he won the invitational 5000 meter race against Finland at Hayward Field. I have read the first couple of pages and it seems well worth the $10 for the digital copy.

The 77th NCS graduation

Taking Sunday off. The past two days have had 3:30 am alpine starts, working on speeches. Lots to do this summer, with travel to Colorado and California to see alumni, and much strategic planning work. That said I should have plenty of time to get fit!

Vicious black flies

In the past 48 hours, the local landscape has drastically changed, as it has dark clouds on the horizon, and they are not rain clouds! It is likely that I may curtail my bouldering sessions for the next two weeks, so that I am not savaged.

Quote of the Week - Pre

The legendary Steve Prefontaine died in an auto accident 40 years ago.

Cedar Wright's take on ultra-running

An interesting take on the sport from a climber ...

http://neverstopexploring.com/2015/05/14/ultrarunning-it-always-never-gets-better/?linkId=14275864

Another option for July

The morning after our arrival, we can shake off the jet-lag before we drive up to RMNP on the East face of the Third Flatiron ... 5.4 and Chouinard called it the best beginners route in the country.

Great mountain run

Fire road, to Marcy Dam, and up to Avalanche leanto and back .., about 13k. It was 28 degrees this morning.

Mountain Running

Superb video with footage of running in Chamonix ...

http://youtu.be/Mw926AKaVOM

Quote of the Week ... Ian Fleming

On my mountain runs this week, I have been listening to On Her Majesty's Secret Service. Early on in the book James Bond sets the stage for any new reader that was unaware of his M.O.

"... worry is a dividend paid to disaster before it is due ..."


"When the odds are hopeless, when all seems to be lost, then is the time to be calm, to make a show of authority – at least of indifference."

Peruvian Adventure

PERUVENTURE - beyond mountains & the sea from David Bertschinger Karg on Vimeo.

Afternoon run

Longest run this spring

This past Sunday I took some students to a 5k trail race at Mount Van Hoevenberg. I ran 8k before the race, and 4k after the race, and did the race at my trail marathon pace. A big day, early in the spring for me.

Spiral Route on Notchtop

Another possibility for our July RMNP trip!

Training on Owls Head

Did some laps on easy routes ... getting ready for Rocky Mountain National Park.

Ode to the Matterhorn

the Peak from Christian Mülhauser on Vimeo.

Get psyched for running in the mountains

http://youtu.be/t8NHpcb-yW4

RMNP ... routes we are thinking about

The Blitzen Ridge (5.7) on Mount Ypsilon.

How is your training going?

Training for RMNP

Tough Day At The Track

The divisional championships were this week, although Lulu was sick Wednesday-Thursday-Friday, so no PRs yesterday. She has had a good season so far, and made it into the fast heat in both the 800 and 1500. Hopefully she will be healthy for the New Englands on May 16.

July, August, September ... Snowfall predictions

Skiing the Andes

At 17,800' this looks like a prime target for my July trip to Chile. A day or two riding lifts to acclimatize, a backcountry tour or two, and then tag the summit.

Heading to Chile on July 1

An interesting read!

Heavy cream and hamburger

The lamb chops were just out of view!

Superb trail run

Last ski of the season or the first ski of the 2015-16 season?

Still some skiable snow over on the ski jump loops.

Training for RMNP

The last four weeks of school are super busy, however I should be able to manage a fair amount of hilly trail running on campus, plus lots of third-class laps (up and down) the 5.2 route, 10-15 top rope laps (self belayed) on the 5.5-5.7 routes, as well as some time on the NCS Boulder. Once June comes I will hop on the sharp end ... I should be ready!

Winter is coming to Chile

Shall we tag some summits on skis this July?

Afternoon trail run

Decision made ... Whiteface Skyrunning Marathon

June 28 ... 42k ... 9000'